Who is Samuel Martinez? Liverpool to sign Colombian wonderkid after Borussia Dortmund interest
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The 2025/26 Premier League season isn't even over yet, but following a disappointing campaign, it would appear as though Liverpool is making some early moves to bolster its squad for next yearLiverpool is said to be closing in on the signing of Colombia youth international Samuel MartinezLiverpool is reportedly working on finalizing a deal for Colombian wonderkid Samuel Martinez after beating off competition from Borussia Dortmund.The Reds still have one game left of the 2025/26 campaign, at home to Brentford on Sunday, but it would appear as though the ball is already rolling to improve the squad this summer following a disappointing season under Arne Slot.While there have already been several transfer rumors linking Liverpool with multiple players, such as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, it is Martinez, 17, who the Reds have stepped up their pursuit of as they look to get their first deal of the summer over the line.READ MORE: Every word Arne Slot said on Mo Salah statement, Alisson and Isak injury latest and summer plansREAD MORE: Liverpool transfer news and rumors today LIVE: Arne Slot future, Alisson boost, World Cup squadHere, Liverpool.com tells you all you need to know about Martinez as he closes in on a move to Anfield, including who he plays for, what he's achieved so far, and what's being said about him.Who is Samuel Martinez?Martinez, who is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Colombian soccer, plays as an attacking midfielder for Atletico Nacional.The teenager has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Liga DIMAYOR - Colombia's top division - leaders, but has impressed in their youth system, where he currently plays for the U20 side.Content cannot be displayed without consentOn the international stage, Martinez is a Colombian U-17 youth international and notably helped the team win the 2026 Under-17 South American Championship last month.Career so farWhile not much is known about Martinez's performances for Atletico Nacional's U20s, his performances for Colombia's U17s at the South American Championship are enough to get any Liverpool fan excited.The youngster actually made his international debut at the tournament, starting the Group A opener against Ecuador, playing 82 minutes before going on to feature in the next six games as Los Cafeteros made it all the way to the final, per Transfermarkt.Martinez, 17, is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Colombian soccerIn the final group game against Paraguay, Martinez provided an assist to help his team to a 2-0 win, before doing the same in the semifinals against Brazil, a 3-0 victory, and the final against Argentina, a 4-0 victory.What's been said about him?As first reported by Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra on Friday, Martinez is "just a few details away from becoming a new Liverpool player" after the Reds reached a $1 million agreement with Atletico Nacional for his transfer.Liverpool is said to have won the race for Martinez's signature ahead of other European giants, such as Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, while the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Benfica have all scouted the young playmaker tooMartinez is now expected to arrive at Anfield on a five-year contract, although this won't be until the summer of 2027 after his 18th birthday, as per FIFA rules.